CN114055387A

CN114055387A - Connecting tool

Info

Publication number: CN114055387A
Application number: CN202110896626.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 诺亚·舒尔茨
Original assignee: Lear Corp
Current assignee: Lear Corp
Priority date: 2020-08-07
Filing date: 2021-08-05
Publication date: 2022-02-18
Anticipated expiration: 2041-08-05
Also published as: US20220040832A1; US11752605B2; CN114055387B

Abstract

A connection tool for connecting a first connection portion and a second connection portion of at least one connection member. The connection means may comprise a shaft. The shaft may include a shaft axis, an operating end, and a body. The shaft may include a recess configured to engage the first connection portion of the at least one connection member. The operating end may include an aperture configured to engage the second connecting portion of the at least one connecting member.

Description

Connecting tool

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to attachment tools configured to facilitate engagement with attachment structures of an attachment member, such as attachment structures disposed at opposite ends of a pull cord of a trim assembly of a vehicle seat assembly.

Background

The following discussion of this background description is merely intended to provide background information. Accordingly, any aspect described in this background is neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure to the extent that it does not otherwise qualify as prior art.

Some connecting members may be actuated by a user's hand, for example, via pulling one or more portions. Some linking members may have portions that are difficult to pull, involve large actuation forces, are difficult to engage, and/or require actuation in tight or inaccessible spaces. Actuation of some connecting members may be labor intensive, involve substantial physical exertion by the user, and/or may not be efficient or effective enough.

Accordingly, there is a need for a solution/option that minimizes or eliminates one or more challenges or disadvantages of the connecting member and/or actuating the connecting member. The foregoing discussion is intended to be merely illustrative of the art and not a disavowal of scope.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, a connecting tool for connecting a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion of at least one connecting member may comprise a shaft. The shaft may include a shaft axis, an operative end, and a body connected to the operative end. The shaft may include a recess configured to engage the first connection portion. The operating end may include an aperture configured to engage the second connecting portion.

In some embodiments, the manipulation end comprises a tip portion having a curved surface and a flat surface; and the curved surface is axially disposed between the recess and the flat surface.

In some embodiments, the planar surface extends substantially parallel to the shaft axis; the curved surface extending from an axial end of the planar surface to an outer surface of the shaft; and the curved surface is concave.

In some embodiments, the holes are arranged in the planar surface; a notch is disposed in the curved surface adjacent to the aperture; and the notch is defined at least in part by: (i) a first surface substantially parallel to the planar surface and (ii) a second surface arranged obliquely or perpendicularly with respect to the first surface.

In some embodiments, the bore comprises a through bore extending through the operative end perpendicular to the shaft axis; and the holes have a substantially trapezoidal cross-section.

In some embodiments, the shaft includes a second recess disposed opposite the recess.

In some embodiments, the recess comprises a semi-cylindrical configuration; and the recess has a recess axis extending substantially perpendicular to the shaft axis and the bore axis of the bore.

In some embodiments, the operative end includes a tip portion having a first curved surface, a second curved surface, a first planar surface, and a second planar surface; the first and second curved surfaces are disposed opposite each other with respect to the shaft axis and are concave with respect to the shaft axis; the first and second planar surfaces are substantially parallel to each other and extend parallel to the shaft axis; the first curved surface extending from an axial end of the first planar surface to an outer surface of the shaft; and the second curved surface extends from an axial end of the second flat surface to the outer surface of the shaft.

In some embodiments, the hole comprises a through hole extending through the tip portion from the first planar surface to the second planar surface; the bore extends at least to the axial end of the first planar surface and the axial end of the second planar surface such that the bore is disposed substantially adjacent to the first curved surface and the second curved surface; a first notch is disposed in the first curved surface; a second notch is disposed in the second curved surface; the first notch is defined at least in part by: (i) a first surface substantially coplanar with the first planar surface and extending to a first axial end of the bore; and (ii) a first arcuate surface disposed obliquely or perpendicularly relative to the first surface; and the second recess is defined at least in part by: (i) a second surface substantially coplanar with the second planar plane and extending to a second axial end of the bore; and (ii) a second arcuate surface disposed obliquely or perpendicularly with respect to the second surface.

In some embodiments, the first connection portion and the second connection portion are disposed at opposite ends of the at least one connection member; or the at least one connection member includes a first connection member and a second connection member, the first connection member includes the first connection portion, and the second connection member includes the second connection portion.

In some embodiments, the bore comprises a through bore extending through the operative end and having a bore axis; the recess comprises a semi-cylindrical configuration and has a recess axis; and the shaft axis, the bore axis, and the recess axis are each perpendicular to one another.

In an embodiment, a method of operating a connection tool to connect a first connection portion and a second connection portion of at least one connection member may include slidably connecting the first connection portion to a shaft of the connection tool. The method may include engaging the second coupling portion with a bore of an operative end of a coupling tool, rotating the coupling tool relative to the first coupling portion, sliding the first coupling portion along the shaft, and moving the first coupling portion away from the operative end of the coupling tool and into engagement with the second coupling portion.

In an embodiment, a method of operating a connection tool to connect first and second connection portions of at least one connection member includes:

slidably connecting the first connection portion to a shaft of the connection tool;

engaging the second connection portion with an operative end of the connection tool;

rotating the connection tool relative to the first connection portion;

sliding the first connecting portion along the shaft; and

moving the first connecting portion away from the operative end of the connecting tool and into engagement with the second connecting portion.

In some embodiments, rotating the connection tool relative to the first connection portion includes drawing the first connection portion and the second connection portion closer together.

In some embodiments, drawing the first and second connection portions closer together comprises elastically deforming at least a portion of the at least one connection member.

In some embodiments, slidably connecting the first connection portion to the shaft of the connection tool comprises inserting the operative end of the connection tool through an opening of the first connection portion.

In some embodiments, the operative end includes a through-hole extending therethrough; and engaging the second connecting portion with the operating end includes inserting a portion of the second connecting portion into the through hole.

In some embodiments, slidably connecting the first connection portion to the shaft of the connection tool comprises inserting the operative end of the connection tool through an opening of the first connection portion prior to inserting the portion of the second connection portion into the through-hole of the connection tool.

In some embodiments, rotating the connection tool relative to the first connection portion comprises at least one of pushing a portion of the connection tool toward the second connection portion and pulling a portion of the connection tool; moving the first connection portion away from the operative end of the connection tool and into engagement with the second connection portion comprises connecting a first component with a second component; the connecting member is at least partially disposed in the second component; the first component comprises a seat; and the second component comprises a trim for the seat.

In some embodiments, sliding the first connection portion along the shaft comprises temporarily engaging the first connection portion with a recess disposed in the shaft of the connection tool.

In some embodiments, rotating the connection tool relative to the first connection portion comprises rotating the connection tool about an axis of rotation; sliding the first connection portion along the shaft comprises translating a position of the axis of rotation along the shaft toward the operative end; and temporarily engaging the first connection portion with the recess comprises temporarily maintaining the position of the first connection portion while rotating the connection tool about the axis of rotation.

The foregoing and other possible aspects, features, details, utilities, and/or advantages of the examples/embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent from reading the following description and from reviewing the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of Drawings

While the claims are not limited to the specific illustrations, an appreciation of various aspects can be gained through a discussion of various examples. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated or hidden to better illustrate and explain an innovative aspect of an example. Furthermore, the exemplary illustrations described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limiting and are not limited to the precise forms and configurations shown in the drawings or disclosed in the following detailed description. The exemplary illustrations are described in detail by reference to the following drawings:

fig. 1A is a side view of an attachment tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1B is a top view of an attachment tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1C is a perspective view of an attachment tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2A is an enlarged side view of an operative end of an attachment tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2B is an enlarged top view of the operative end of the connection tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3A-3F illustrate various steps of a method of operating a joining tool in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 is a side view of a connection tool, a connection member, a first component, and a second component according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the disclosure will be described in conjunction with the embodiments and/or examples, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the disclosure to these embodiments and/or examples. On the contrary, the present disclosure covers alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

In an embodiment, such as generally illustrated in fig. 1A, 1B, and 1C, the connection tool 100 may include a handle 102. The handle 102 may comprise any suitable shape or size, and/or may be constructed of any suitable material (e.g., metal, plastic, wood, composite, etc.). In some examples, the handle 102 may be ergonomically configured and/or shaped to facilitate gripping by a user. Additionally and/or alternatively, the handle 102 may include one or more structures (e.g., bends, ridges, ribs, protrusions, grips, etc.) to facilitate gripping of the connection tool 100 by a user.

According to embodiments such as generally illustrated in fig. 1A, 1B, and 1C, the connection tool 100 may include a shaft 104. The shaft 104 may be any desired size and shape, and may be constructed of any desired material (e.g., metal, plastic, wood, composite, etc.). The shaft 104 may have a shaft axis 106, a first end 108 (e.g., a base end), a second end 110 (e.g., an operative end), and/or a body 112 (e.g., a handle). In some embodiments, shaft 104 may extend longitudinally along shaft axis 106 and may have an outer surface 114. Shaft axis 106 may be the central longitudinal axis of shaft 104. In embodiments, shaft 104 may include an elongated body or rod having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, and/or outer surface 114 may be an outer circumferential surface. The base end 108 and the operative end 110 may be opposite axial ends of the shaft 104. The main body 112 may be disposed between the base end 108 and the operating end 110 and connect the base end 108 and the operating end 110.

In an embodiment, handle 102 and shaft 104 may be connected to each other. For example, the handle 102 may be connected to the base end 108 of the shaft 104. The shaft 104 may be disposed coaxially with the handle 102. The handle 102 and the shaft 104 may be connected to one another via one or more connections, such as pins, fasteners, clips, screws, adhesives, material bonds, welds, and/or complementary mechanical structures, etc. Additionally and/or alternatively, handle 102 may be formed and/or molded over shaft 104. Shaft 104 may be at least partially inserted into a recess of handle 102 and/or at least partially secured within a recess of handle 102. The shaft 104 and the handle 102 may be integrally connected to one another such that the connection means is configured as a single, unitary component (e.g., without separately attached elements, elements that move/rotate relative to the shaft, etc.). In an example, the connection tool 100 may not include the handle 102, and the user may directly grip the shaft 104, e.g., at or near the base end 108 and/or the main body 112.

In embodiments such as generally illustrated in fig. 2A and 2B, the shaft 104 may include one or more recesses 116a, 116B. The one or

more recesses

116a, 116b may be configured to engage and/or at least partially receive the first connection portion 142 of the connection member 140 (see, e.g., fig. 3D). The

recesses

116a, 116b may be disposed in the outer surface 114 of the shaft 104 and/or may be configured as depressions or grooves that protrude into the shaft 104 toward the shaft axis 106. The

recesses

116a, 116b may have

recess axes

118a, 118b, and the

recess axes

118a, 118b may extend obliquely or perpendicularly with respect to the shaft axis 106. The

recesses

116a, 116b may comprise one or more of a variety of shapes and/or configurations. For example, but not limiting of, the

recesses

116a, 116b may be dome/curved (e.g., generally cylindrical/semi-cylindrical) and/or may include a cross-section of a portion (e.g., half) of a circle. The

recesses

116a, 116b may be disposed in the body 112 of the shaft 104 and may be in the operative end 110, adjacent the operative end 110, and/or proximate the operative end 110.

In an embodiment, the connection tool 100 may have a plurality of

recesses

116a, 116b, such as a first recess 116a and a second recess 116 b. The first recess 116a and the second recess 116b may be configured to be the same as or different from each other. First and

second recesses

116a, 116b may be disposed on opposite sides of shaft 104 such that first and

second recesses

116a, 116b are disposed diametrically opposite one another relative to shaft 104 and/or body 112. Additionally or alternatively, the first and

second recesses

116a, 116b may be arranged such that the recess axis 118a of the first recess 116a and the recess axis 118b of the second recess 116b are substantially parallel. The

recesses

116a, 116b may be substantially aligned, for example, in the axial direction of the shaft 104.

For example, the operative end 110 of the shaft 104 may include a tip portion 120. Tip portion 120 may include one or more

curved surfaces

122a, 122b and/or one or more

flat surfaces

124a, 124 b. The

planar surfaces

124a, 124b may be configured to be the same as each other or different from each other. The

curved surfaces

122a, 122b may be configured to be the same as each other or different from each other.

In an embodiment, the

flat surfaces

124a, 124b may extend parallel to the shaft axis 106 between the

curved surfaces

122a, 122b and an axially facing surface 126 of the shaft 104. In an example, the

flat surfaces

124a, 124b may extend from the

curved surfaces

122a, 122b to an axial surface 126 of the shaft 104 and connect the

curved surfaces

122a, 122b with the axial surface 126 of the shaft 104.

In an example, the

curved surfaces

122a, 122b may extend (e.g., axially and/or radially) between the

flat surfaces

124a, 124b and the outer surface 114 of the shaft 104. The

curved surfaces

122a, 122b may extend from the inner axial ends 128a, 128b of the

flat surfaces

124a, 124b to the outer surface 114 (e.g., outer circumferential surface) of the shaft 104 and connect the inner axial ends 128a, 128b of the

flat surfaces

124a, 124b with the outer surface 114 (e.g., outer circumferential surface) of the shaft 104. The

curved surfaces

122a, 122b may include a concave configuration (e.g., relative to the shaft axis 106).

According to an embodiment, the tip portion 120 may include an aperture 130, and the aperture 130 may be configured to engage (e.g., connect, receive, etc.) the second connection portion 144 of the connection member 140. The apertures 130 may be disposed in one or both of the

planar surfaces

124a, 124 b. The axial ends of the bore 130 relative to the shaft axis 106 may be disposed along, at and/or adjacent to the

junctions

120a, 120b of the

curved surfaces

122a, 122b and the

flat surfaces

124a, 124b, which may also correspond to the inner axial ends 128a, 128b of the

flat surfaces

124a, 124 b. The aperture 130 may be configured as a through-hole, depression, recess, or similar structure. The aperture 130 may have a cross-sectional profile having one or more of a variety of shapes, such as trapezoidal, square, rectangular, circular, and/or oval, among others. The bore 130 may extend completely through the tip portion 120 such that a bore axis 132 of the bore 130 extends obliquely or perpendicularly with respect to the shaft axis 106 and/or the

recess axes

118a, 118 b. In at least some examples, the bore axis 132 can be a central longitudinal axis of the bore 130.

In an embodiment, the tip portion 120 may include one or

more notches

134a, 134b, and the

notches

134a, 134b may be configured to facilitate engagement of the second connection portion 144 with the aperture 130. The

notches

134a, 134b may be configured to be the same as each other or different from each other.

Notches

134a, 134b may be disposed in

curved surfaces

122a, 122 b. In some examples, the

notches

134a, 134b may include and/or be at least partially defined by the first and

second surfaces

136a, 136b, 138a, 138b, 136a, 136 b.

According to an embodiment, the

first surfaces

136a, 136b of the

notches

134a, 134b may be substantially parallel and/or coplanar with the

planar surfaces

124a, 124 b. The

first surfaces

136a, 136b may extend from the

second surfaces

138a, 138b to the

junctions

120a, 120b of the

curved surfaces

122a, 122b and the

flat surfaces

124a, 124b, the axial ends 128a, 128b of the

flat surfaces

124a, 124b, and/or the bore 130.

In embodiments, the

second surfaces

138a, 138b may be arranged obliquely, parallel, and/or perpendicular to the

first surfaces

136a, 136b and/or the shaft axis 106. For example, and without limitation,

second surfaces

138a, 138b may include portions arranged perpendicularly with respect to shaft axis 106, obliquely with respect to shaft axis 106 (e.g., circular/arcuate portions), and portions arranged parallel to shaft axis 106 (e.g., the cross-section of

second surfaces

138a, 138b may typically resemble a horseshoe shape). The

second surfaces

138a, 138b may extend from the

flat surfaces

124a, 124b to the

curved surfaces

122a, 122 b. The opposite ends of the

second surfaces

138a, 138b may be disposed at or near the

junctions

120a, 120b of the

curved surfaces

122a, 122b and the

flat surfaces

124a, 124b, the inner axial ends 128a, 128b of the

flat surfaces

124a, 124b, and/or the aperture 130, such that the

second surfaces

138a, 138b extend toward the handle 102 and/or the base end 108.

In embodiments, tip portion 120 may have a plurality of

curved surfaces

122a, 122b, a plurality of

flat surfaces

124a, 124b, and/or a plurality of

notches

134a, 134b, which may be configured and arranged as described above. In some examples, the plurality of

curved surfaces

122a, 122b can include a first curved surface 122a and a second curved surface 122b, the plurality of

planar surfaces

124a, 124b can include a first planar surface 124a and a second planar surface 124b, and/or the plurality of

notches

134a, 134b can include a first notch 134a and a second notch 134 b. First and second

curved surfaces

122a and 122b, first and second

flat surfaces

124a and 124b, and/or first and

second recesses

134a and 134b, respectively, may be disposed on different sides of shaft 104 (e.g., may be diametrically opposite one another).

In embodiments, the first and second

planar surfaces

124a, 124b may extend substantially parallel to each other and/or parallel to the shaft axis 106. The hole 130 may extend through the tip portion 120 from the first planar surface 124a to the second planar surface 124 b.

According to embodiments such as generally illustrated in fig. 3A-3F, the connection tool 100 may be configured to facilitate connecting and/or engaging the

connection portions

142, 144 of one or more connection members 140, which one or more connection members 140 may be used to secure one or more components 146 together. The connecting

portions

142, 144 may include one or more structures that may be configured to engage and/or connect with one another, such as complementary latches, buckles, male and female connectors, hooks, loops, buttons, and/or elongate bodies that may be connected together, and the like. The connecting

portions

142, 144 may be connected to and/or form part of the same connecting member 140, or connected to and/or form part of different connecting members 140. For example, but not limiting of, the

connection portions

142, 144 may be disposed at opposite ends of the same connection member 140. In a configuration including a plurality of connection members, the connection portion 142 of the first connection member 140 may be connected to the connection portion 144 of the second connection member 140.

In embodiments, the first connection member 140 may comprise one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or materials. For example, but not limited to, the connecting member may be flexible, elastic, and/or deformable (e.g., may include a pull cord, rope, cable, bungee cord, strap, etc.). In some embodiments, connecting member 140 may be configured to facilitate connection between first component 146a and second component 146 b. The first section 146a can, for example and without limitation, include a vehicle seat (e.g., a cushion, a seat frame, foam, etc.), and/or the second section 146b can, for example and without limitation, include a trim piece (e.g., an exterior seating surface or material, such as leather or vinyl). The connecting member 140 may be configured to connect and/or facilitate a connection between the trim piece and the vehicle seat.

According to an embodiment, the connection member 140 may be disposed and/or wrapped around the

components

146a, 146b, and the

connection portions

142, 144 disposed at opposite ends of the connection member 140 may engage with each other to connect the

components

146a, 146b together. Additionally and/or alternatively, the connection member 140 may be a member that is connected to and/or inserted within a portion 146c (e.g., a channel) of the

components

146a, 146b, and may be used to reduce the size of an opening 146d of the

components

146a, 146b and/or close the opening 146d (see, e.g., fig. 4). In such an example, the connecting member 140 may at least partially surround the opening 146d of the component 146, and the connecting

portions

142, 144 disposed at opposite ends of the connecting member 140 may be drawn together and connected (e.g., a drawstring for a trim portion of a seat). For example, and without limitation, for seating applications, the second component 146b (e.g., trim piece) may include a channel 146c, and the connecting member 140 may be disposed substantially in the channel 146 c. The channel 146c may extend around an opening 146d of the second component 146b, which opening 146d may be configured to receive at least some of the first component 146 a. Once first component 146a has been at least partially inserted into opening 146d, connecting

portions

142, 144 may be connected together, which may reduce the size of opening 146d (e.g., to a size less than the outer size of first component 146a) and/or connecting

components

146a, 146 b. Reducing the size of opening 146d via connecting member 140 may limit the relative movement of first section 146a and second section 146 b.

In an example, at least one connecting

portion

142, 144 of the connecting member 140 can be connected to a connecting portion of another structure, such as a component or another connecting member 140 (e.g., a series of bungee cords in series with one another). In examples with multiple connecting members 140, the first and second connecting

members

140, 140 may be connected to

different components

146a, 146b or to the

same components

146a, 146 b. In some embodiments, the first and second connection members 140 may be connected to opposite ends of the

components

146a, 146b and/or opposite sides of the openings 146d of the

components

146a, 146 b.

According to an embodiment, the connection member 140 may need to be actuated by a user, operator, and/or assembler to engage the

connection portions

142, 144 with one another. To actuate the connecting member 140, a user may move (e.g., push/pull) the connecting

portions

142, 144 of the connecting member 140 closer together so that the connecting

portions

142, 144 may engage one another. Thus, actuation of the connecting member 140 may involve applying sufficient force to the connecting member 140 to overcome one or more resistances. In an example, this may include applying sufficient force to overcome the resistance of the elastic connection member 140, thereby deforming/stretching the elastic connection member 140. Additionally and/or alternatively, this may include the user applying sufficient force to move, adjust, deform, stretch, and/or compress one or more of the

components

146a, 146b connected via the connecting member 140 (e.g., applying sufficient force to deform at least a portion of the

components

146a, 146b and/or reduce the size of the opening 146d of the

components

146a, 146b and close the opening 146 d). Once the user has applied sufficient force and actuated the connecting member 140, the user may engage the connecting

portions

142, 144 with one another while maintaining the applied force (e.g., while maintaining the deformed and/or stretched position of the connecting member 140). By actuating the connecting member 140 and/or engaging the connecting

portions

142, 144 using the connecting tool 100, the difficulty and/or complexity of the actuation and/or connection process may be reduced.

An embodiment of a method of using the joining tool 100 is generally illustrated in fig. 3A-3F. The method may include engaging the connecting

portions

142, 144 of the connecting member 140 via the connecting tool 100 to connect the first component 146a with the second component 146 b. Referring now to fig. 3A, connecting member 140 may be disposed on first section 146a and/or second section 146b and/or disposed to partially surround first section 146a and/or second section 146 b. The first connection portion 142 (e.g., a loop) may be disposed at one end of the connection member 140, and the second connection portion 144 (e.g., a hook) may be disposed at an opposite end of the connection member 140. During operation and/or actuation, first connection portion 142 may be connected (e.g., slidably connected) to shaft 104 of connection tool 100. In an example, slidably connecting the first connection portion 142 to the shaft 104 may include inserting the operating end 110 of the connection tool 100 through the opening 148 of the first connection portion 142.

In embodiments such as that generally depicted in fig. 3B, the second connection portion 144 may engage the aperture 130 of the connection tool 100. This step may be performed after connecting first connecting portion 142 to shaft 104. Engaging the second connecting portion 144 with the aperture 130 may include inserting at least a portion (e.g., a hook) of the second connecting portion 144 into the aperture 130. First connecting portion 142 may be adjusted, moved, and/or slid along shaft 104 in a direction 150 toward handle 102 to an area proximate handle 102 and/or base end 108 of shaft 104, which may enable second connecting portion 144 and connection tool 100 to be engaged. The configuration of the connection tool 100, which may include a shaft 104 (e.g., a relatively thin elongated shaft), may allow a user to more easily reach and grasp the first and/or

second connection portions

142, 144 of the connection member 140 (e.g., place one hand on the connection tool 100, rather than on each of the connection portions 142, 144).

In an embodiment, if the first and

second connection portions

142, 144 are engaged (e.g., positively engaged) with the connection tool 100, the connection tool 100 may be moved (e.g., rotated, pivoted, etc.) relative to the first member 146a, such as generally illustrated in fig. 3C. Rotating the connection tool 100 relative to the first component 146a may include at least one of adjusting, moving, pushing, and/or pulling a portion of the connection tool 100 (e.g., the base end 108 of the shaft 104 and/or the handle 102) in a direction 152 toward the second connection portion 144. The connection tool 100 may be rotatable about a rotation axis 154, which rotation axis 154 may be defined, for example, by the first connection portion 142, the second connection portion 144, and/or between the first connection portion 142 and the second connection portion 144, among other locations. In some cases, the axis of rotation 154 may be defined by an area of the first connection portion 142 that contacts and/or abuts the shaft 104 of the connection tool 100.

According to embodiments, rotating the connection tool 100 while the connection tool 100 is engaged with the

connection portions

142, 144 may cause the first connection portion 142 and/or the second connection portion 144 to be pulled closer and/or closer together. Drawing first and

second connection portions

142, 144 closer together may include elastically deforming and/or stretching at least a portion of connecting member 140, first section 146a, and/or second section 146 b. Connecting member 140, first section 146a, and/or second section 146b may be deformed such that first connecting portion 142 and second connecting portion 144 are drawn and/or adjusted to an overlapping configuration. If the connecting member 140 is elastic and/or configured to contract/stretch, the connecting member 140 may at least temporarily elongate to a length greater than the length of the connecting member 140 when the first connecting portion 142 and the second connecting portion 144 are engaged. The connection tool 100 may function, for example and without limitation, in a lever-like manner, such as with the first connection portion 142 acting as a fulcrum, thereby reducing the amount of force a user actuates the connection member 140 (e.g., engages the connection portions 142, 144) and/or overcomes any existing resistance. Additionally or alternatively, the engagement of the first and

second connection portions

142, 144 with the connection tool 100 may assist a user in maintaining a grip on the first and

second connection portions

142, 144 while applying force to the connection member 140.

In an embodiment, rotating the connection tool 100 may cause the first connection portion 142 to slide along the shaft 104 in a direction 156 toward the operating end 110. Since the first connection portion 142 may define the rotational axis 154, sliding the first connection portion 142 along the shaft 104 may also include translating a position of the rotational axis 154 along the shaft 104 in a direction 156 toward the operating end 110 of the connection tool 100.

According to an embodiment such as that generally illustrated in fig. 3D, the connection tool 100 may be rotated such that the first connection portion 142 slides along the shaft 104 and at least temporarily engages with the

recesses

116a, 116 b. Engaging the first connection portion 142 with the

recesses

116a, 116b may include receiving at least a portion of the first connection portion 142 in the

recesses

116a, 116 b. Engaging the first connection portion 142 in the

recesses

116a, 116b may stop the sliding movement of the first connection portion 142 and hold the first connection portion 142 and/or the rotation axis 154 in place while the connection tool 100 continues to rotate. As rotation continues, the first connection portion 142 may move (e.g., rotate) within the

recesses

116a, 116b, slide out of the

recesses

116a, 116b, and/or slide off of the handling end 110 of the connection tool 100. As the first connection portion 142 slides away from the handling end 110, the first connection portion 142 may engage the second connection portion 144.

According to embodiments such as generally depicted in fig. 3A-3F, the

recesses

116a, 116b may be configured to retain the first connection portion 142 such that the first and

second connection portions

142, 144 may be moved, adjusted, pulled, and/or displaced by the connection tool 100 a sufficient distance such that the first connection portion 142 properly engages the second connection portion 144 when sliding off the operative end 110. When the connection tool 100 is rotated beyond a substantially vertical position (see, e.g., fig. 3D) (e.g., such as 30, 45, or 60 degrees beyond vertical (see, e.g., fig. 3E)), the first connection portion 142 may move out of the

recesses

116a, 116b and slide off the handling end 110, thereby disengaging the connection tool 100. For example, but not limiting of, the

recesses

116a, 116b may be configured to retain the first connection portion 142 before the first connection portion 142 is further slid along the shaft 104 such that the connection tool 100 may move the first connection portion 142 at least partially beyond the end 144a of the second connection portion 144. For some other tool configurations, such as configurations that do not include

recesses

116a, 116b, the first connecting portion 142 may be slid off of the tool in a vertical position and disengaged from the tool, which does not cause the first connecting portion 142 to move at least partially beyond the end 144a of the second connecting portion 144, which may cause the first connecting portion 142 to not engage the second connecting portion 144.

In embodiments, the position (e.g., axial position) of

recesses

116a, 116b along shaft 104 and/or the depth of

recesses

116a, 116b may, for example, correspond to the size/length of end 144 a. For example, but not limiting of, for larger ends 144a, the

recesses

116a, 116b may be farther from the axial surface 126 and/or may be deeper than for smaller ends 144 a.

In embodiments such as that generally illustrated in fig. 3F, once the first and

second connection portions

142, 144 are engaged, the second connection portion 144 may be disengaged from the connection tool 100, which may include removing the second connection portion 144 from the aperture 130. In some examples, the first connection portion 142 may slide away from the handling end 110 of the connection tool 100 with sufficient force to push and/or remove the second connection portion 144 from the aperture 130, thereby disengaging the second connection portion 144 from the connection tool 100. After the first and

second connection portions

142 and 144 are engaged with each other, the first and

second connection portions

142 and 144 may restrict relative movement of the first and

second parts

146a and 146 b.

According to an embodiment, a force applied to second component 146b (and/or first component 146a) by connected connecting member 140 may, for example, pull second component 146b into substantial contact with first component 146 a. For example, but not limiting of, for seating applications (see, e.g., fig. 4), the connecting

portions

142, 144 connecting the connecting member 140 can tension the second component 146b about the first component 146a and/or hold the second component 146b taut, and/or remove wrinkles in the second component 146 b.

In embodiments, the force involved in connecting the

connection portions

142, 144 may be close to, equal to, or higher than the amount of force a user would like to provide without using the connection tool 100. The attachment tool 100 may effectively increase the force provided by the user while also facilitating alignment and engagement of the

attachment portions

142, 144.

According to some embodiments, the outer dimensions of shaft 104 may be sufficiently large (e.g., relative to the dimensions of end 144a of second connection portion 144), and/or bore 130 may be sufficiently offset from shaft axis 106 such that movement/rotation of connection tool 100 may result in engagement of

connection portions

142, 144 without first connection

portions engaging recesses

116a, 116b, shaft 104 may include

recesses

116a, 116b, or may not include

recesses

116a, 116 b.

Various examples/embodiments are described herein for various devices, systems, and/or methods. Numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the examples/embodiments described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the examples/embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the examples/embodiments described in this specification. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the examples/embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus, it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments.

Reference throughout the specification to "an example," "in an example," "for an example," "various embodiments," "for an embodiment," "in an embodiment," or "an embodiment," or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example/embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases "example," "in an example," "for an example," "in various embodiments," "for an embodiment," "in an embodiment," or "embodiment," or the like, in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples/embodiments. Thus, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment/example may be combined, in whole or in part, with features, structures, functions, and/or characteristics of one or more other embodiments/examples without limitation, as long as such combination is not illogical or functional. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof.

It should be understood that reference to a single element is not necessarily so limited, and may include one or more such elements. Any directional references (e.g., positive, negative, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the examples/embodiments.

Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between connected elements and relative movement between elements. Thus, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected/coupled and in fixed relation to each other. The use of "for example" in this specification is to be construed broadly and used to provide non-limiting examples of embodiments of the disclosure, and the disclosure is not limited to such examples. The use of "and" or "should be interpreted broadly (e.g., as" and/or "). For example, and not by way of limitation, the use of "and" does not necessarily require all of the elements or features listed, and the use of "or" is inclusive unless such structure is illogical.

Although processes, systems, and methods may be described herein in connection with one or more steps in a particular sequence, it should be understood that the methods may be practiced with steps in a different order, with some steps being performed simultaneously, with additional steps, and/or with some described steps being omitted.

It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the disclosure.

Claims

1. A connection tool for connecting a first connection portion and a second connection portion of at least one connection member, the connection tool comprising:

a shaft, comprising:

a shaft axis;

an operation end; and

a main body connected to the operation end;

wherein the shaft includes a recess configured to engage the first connection portion; and is

Wherein the operative end includes an aperture configured to engage the second connection portion.

2. The connection tool of claim 1, wherein:

the operating end includes a tip portion having a curved surface and a flat surface; and is

The curved surface is axially disposed between the recess and the flat surface.

3. The connection tool of claim 2, wherein:

the flat surface extends substantially parallel to the shaft axis;

the curved surface extending from an axial end of the planar surface to an outer surface of the shaft; and is

The curved surface is concave.

4. The connection tool of claim 3, wherein:

the aperture is disposed in the planar surface;

a notch is disposed in the curved surface adjacent to the aperture; and is

The notch is defined at least in part by: (i) a first surface substantially parallel to the planar surface and (ii) a second surface arranged obliquely or perpendicularly with respect to the first surface.

5. The connection tool of claim 1, wherein:

the bore comprises a through bore extending through the operative end perpendicular to the shaft axis; and is

The holes have a substantially trapezoidal cross-section.

6. The connection tool of claim 1, wherein the shaft includes a second recess disposed opposite the recess.

7. The connection tool of claim 1, wherein:

the recess comprises a semi-cylindrical configuration; and is

The recess has a recess axis extending substantially perpendicular to the shaft axis and the bore axis of the bore.

8. The connection tool of claim 1, wherein:

the operative end includes a tip portion having a first curved surface, a second curved surface, a first planar surface, and a second planar surface;

the first and second curved surfaces are disposed opposite each other with respect to the shaft axis and are concave with respect to the shaft axis;

the first and second planar surfaces are substantially parallel to each other and extend parallel to the shaft axis;

the first curved surface extending from an axial end of the first planar surface to an outer surface of the shaft; and is

The second curved surface extends from an axial end of the second planar surface to the outer surface of the shaft.

9. The connection tool of claim 8, wherein:

the hole comprises a through hole extending through the tip portion from the first planar surface to the second planar surface;

the bore extends at least to the axial end of the first planar surface and the axial end of the second planar surface such that the bore is disposed substantially adjacent to the first curved surface and the second curved surface;

a first notch is disposed in the first curved surface;

a second notch is disposed in the second curved surface;

the first notch is defined at least in part by: (i) a first surface substantially coplanar with the first planar surface and extending to a first axial end of the bore; and (ii) a first arcuate surface disposed obliquely or perpendicularly relative to the first surface; and

the second recess is defined at least in part by: (i) a second surface substantially coplanar with the second planar plane and extending to a second axial end of the bore; and (ii) a second arcuate surface disposed obliquely or perpendicularly with respect to the second surface.

10. The connection tool of claim 1, wherein:

the first and second connection portions are disposed at opposite ends of the at least one connection member; or

The at least one connection member includes a first connection member and a second connection member, the first connection member includes the first connection portion, and the second connection member includes the second connection portion.

11. The connection tool of claim 1, wherein:

the bore comprises a through bore extending through the operative end and having a bore axis;

the recess comprises a semi-cylindrical configuration and has a recess axis; and is

The shaft axis, the bore axis, and the recess axis are each perpendicular to one another.

12. A method of operating a connection tool to connect first and second connection portions of at least one connection member, the method comprising:

rotating the connection tool relative to the first connection portion;

sliding the first connecting portion along the shaft; and

13. The method of claim 12, wherein rotating the connection tool relative to the first connection portion comprises drawing the first and second connection portions closer together.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein drawing the first and second connection portions closer together comprises elastically deforming at least a portion of the at least one connection member.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein slidably connecting the first connection portion to the shaft of the connection tool comprises inserting the operative end of the connection tool through an opening of the first connection portion.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein:

the operative end includes a through-hole extending therethrough; and is

Engaging the second connecting portion with the operating end includes inserting a portion of the second connecting portion into the through hole.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein slidably connecting the first connection portion to the shaft of the connection tool comprises inserting the operative end of the connection tool through an opening of the first connection portion prior to inserting the portion of the second connection portion into the through-hole of the connection tool.

18. The method of claim 12, wherein rotating the connection tool relative to the first connection portion comprises at least one of pushing a portion of the connection tool toward the second connection portion and pulling a portion of the connection tool;

moving the first connection portion away from the operative end of the connection tool and into engagement with the second connection portion comprises connecting a first component with a second component;

the connecting member is at least partially disposed in the second component;

the first component comprises a seat; and is

The second component comprises a trim for the seat.

19. The method of claim 12, wherein sliding the first connection portion along the shaft comprises temporarily engaging the first connection portion with a recess disposed in the shaft of the connection tool.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein:

rotating the connection tool relative to the first connection portion comprises rotating the connection tool about an axis of rotation;

sliding the first connection portion along the shaft comprises translating a position of the axis of rotation along the shaft toward the operative end; and is

Temporarily engaging the first connection portion with the recess includes temporarily maintaining a position of the first connection portion while rotating the connection tool about the axis of rotation.